naos

[ney-os]

noun, plural na·oi

[ney-oi] /ˈneɪ ɔɪ/.

Origin of naos

First recorded in 1765–75, naos is from the Greek word nāós dwelling of a god, inner part of a temple, shrine

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Examples from the Web for naos

Historical Examples of naos

Under the frieze of the naos an oval with the prenomen of Rameses II.
A History of Art in Ancient Egypt, Vol. II (of 2)
Georges Perrot
At other times all these objects were deposited in the naos.
A history of art in ancient Egypt, Vol. I (of 2)
Georges Perrot
They led their visitors through the pronaos and naos to the secos, to the holy of holies.
The Tour
Louis Couperus
Hence the cella or naos is the central feature of the building.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 4
Various
Several steps led to the anteroom, supported by Ionic columns, which adjoined the naos.
Arachne, Complete
Georg Ebers

British Dictionary definitions for naos

naos

noun plural naoi (ˈneɪɔɪ)

rare an ancient classical temple
architect another name for cella

Word Origin for naos

C18: from Greek: inner part of temple

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012